31/01/2024
Last week I took my dogs in for their annual wellness exam. We had the usual shuffle and reminder -- "No, it's Penny's turn on the exam table now, you wait on your station for your turn" -- but overall, things went very well. Both dogs stationed to wait their turn politely (and were paid with treats for their quiet downs), and both dogs participated willingly in their voluntary blood draws, shots, and physical exams.
The vet tech said the process was "very refreshing," not having to struggle with a scared animal. I was happy because my pets were happy--we don't have pets to scare them!--and because we didn't have to wrestle two large dogs.
Meanwhile, I watched a dozen dogs dragged or carried to exam rooms, scrabbling on the floor to get away or crying in distress. And that's sad, because it's so unnecessary.
And it's not just about the treats! Many of those dogs were offered treats and were still scared. Treats are great, and I'm absolutely going to use them, but it's even more about the sense of predictability and control, that the dogs are active participants doing a trained behavior, rather than that the exam just happens to them.
Guys, over the weekend I watched a large male lion participate in a voluntary blood draw. There's no reason our pets need to be so upset.
Does trained participation make that big a difference, over just holding the dog and getting it done?
Friends, I have to PAY my dogs to wait their turn to get a shot.
This is not as hard as people usually assume. You can teach your dog to participate in -- not tolerate -- regular veterinary procedures, and vet visits will be simpler, faster, more effective (better exams on a still, cooperative dog!), and less stressful for the rest of your lives.
Want to make things better for your next vet visit? Talk to me.
(Pictured: Undómiel supervising my presentations at ClickerExpo.)
